Visa and Immigration Advice

Preparing for a Tier 4 Application

Please read the information below to prepare for your Tier 4 application. This guidance is relevant for students applying from the UK or from home. To understand your Tier 4 application you should read every chapter below:

If you want to invite your family or friends to visit you whilst you’re studying, then read our guidance (PDF, file size: 181.7KB) to understand what visa they should apply for, common reasons why applicants might be refused, and what documents you should give them to help with their visa application.

Visiting the UK for Graduation

If you and/or your family need a visa to attend your graduation ceremony, then we have written guidance to help you understand what kind of visa you will need, what documents are required, and common reasons why applicants might be refused. Remember, if your visa expires before your graduation then you will need to return home and apply for a new Standard Visitor visa to come back to the UK for your ceremony. This is all explained in our guidance (PDF, file size: 175.09KB) .

Doctorate Extension Scheme Guide (PDF, file size: 338.06KB) . If you are a PhD student, and you are interested in staying in the UK for 1 year after you have completed your PhD, then please read our guidance about the Doctorate Extension Scheme.